I agree, you need to think of it as housing (a necessity) and a home (an emotional luxury, albeit a valued one) first, and investment second. I also think it's better to analyze as an opportunity cost. If the alternative is to rent, estimate what total rental costs would have been, and what investment returns would have been for any savings during that period. Worth noting that a fixed rate mortgage acts very much like rent control, which may or may not exist in your area.
It's demand AND supply. Even though there's less demand for welders and machinists in absolute terms, there's a tiny supply of skilled workers. And my guess is there's not enough training capacity in those fields either, so the worker supply challenges will continue for years.
I'm not sure I want to take advice from the American Christmas Tree Association about purchasing a Christmas tree, they're not exactly impartial. If I asked my barber if I need a haircut I'd be in there every week.
I enjoy a little ritual in my coffee making routine, and it not being a completely utilitarian activity. Pour-over and Aeropress are my favorite methods - there's a few steps yet are simple and require only a couple minutes, the coffee is great, and cleanup is especially easy. Agree with the larger point - examine and reflect on where (and what) you pay for convenience.
Comments
I agree, you need to think of it as housing (a necessity) and a home (an emotional luxury, albeit a valued one) first, and investment second. I also think it's better to analyze as an opportunity cost. If the alternative is to rent, estimate what total rental costs would have been, and what investment returns would have been for any savings during that period. Worth noting that a fixed rate mortgage acts very much like rent control, which may or may not exist in your area.
Post: Home Sweet Whatever
Link to comment from June 24, 2022
It's demand AND supply. Even though there's less demand for welders and machinists in absolute terms, there's a tiny supply of skilled workers. And my guess is there's not enough training capacity in those fields either, so the worker supply challenges will continue for years.
Post: Meeting Demand
Link to comment from October 30, 2021
I'm not sure I want to take advice from the American Christmas Tree Association about purchasing a Christmas tree, they're not exactly impartial. If I asked my barber if I need a haircut I'd be in there every week.
Post: Christmas in October
Link to comment from October 9, 2021
I enjoy a little ritual in my coffee making routine, and it not being a completely utilitarian activity. Pour-over and Aeropress are my favorite methods - there's a few steps yet are simple and require only a couple minutes, the coffee is great, and cleanup is especially easy. Agree with the larger point - examine and reflect on where (and what) you pay for convenience.
Post: Clouds in My Coffee
Link to comment from September 26, 2021